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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Filipinos urged to avoid 'unnecessary travel' to Iraq amid rising tension

Filipinos urged to avoid 'unnecessary travel' to Iraq amid rising tension

Published Jun 23, 2025 09:25 am
The Philippine Embassy in Iraq has advised Filipinos to avoid “unnecessary” travel to Iraq, while those already in the country must avoid public places and exercise extreme caution amid the escalating security situation in the region.

This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, where multiple buildings were destroyed from recent Israeli airstrikes, 135 miles southeast of Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Maxar Technologies via AP)
This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, where multiple buildings were destroyed from recent Israeli airstrikes, 135 miles southeast of Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Maxar Technologies via AP)
The advisory was released on Sunday, June 22, a few hours after the Uniter States struck Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

“Due to recent developments in the region, Filipino nationals are advised to shelter in place, monitor ongoing news, and contact the embassy hotline (+964 783 700 5457) for emergencies. Filipino nationals are advised to follow any emergency instructions that may be given by the local government authorities as applicable,” the embassy said.

“Filipino nationals are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel to Iraq due to the prevailing security situation in the region, following the developments in Iran today, and the almost total closure of the air space in Iraq,” it added.

However, if movement cannot be avoided, Filipinos already in Iraq are advised “to avoid public places, monitor ongoing news, exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant for their own safety and security.”

They must also prepare adequate food, water, medicine, and other needs.

Iraq, which shares a land border with Iran, remains at alert level 3 since 2021.

The second highest alert level by the Philippine government, alert level 3 meant the activation of the voluntary repatriation program.

A report on Arab News in 2023 said there were 4,000 Filipinos living and working in Iraq, many of whom have Iraqi spouses.

Related Tags

Israel-Iran attacks Philippine Embassy in Iraq travel advisory Middle East
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